8 Tricks to Prevent and Stop Nosebleeds

Blow First

Here’s one quick trick when you have a nosebleed: Before you start treating it or applying pressure, blow your nose, hard, to blast out any blood clots. Then dab nasal decongestant on a tissue or cotton ball and stick it inside the nostril to absorb the remaining blood until it stops.

See Also: When Should You Worry About a Nosebleed?

Get Pinchy with It!

Hold a tissue over it and pinch the soft tip of the nose closed—this will help the blood clot and stop the flow. If blood flow is heavy, use a washcloth or towel to sop it up. Squeeze the nose for 10 minutes, then check to see if bleeding has ceased; squeeze for another 10 minutes, if necessary.

Nose Hands, No Problem!

Let’s say you’re working on something with your hands and can’t pinch your nose closed for 10 minutes yourself. Or maybe you’re injured and too weak for the job. Simply secure a clothespin over your schnoz, and voilà!

Go for the Cold

If pinching isn’t doing the job, try a cold compress too: Douse a washcloth or towel in ice-cold water, then place it on the bridge of the nose or back of the neck. Cold temps will force blood vessels to contract and slow the blood flow.

Stay Moist

A surefire way to prevent nosebleeds is to keep the air in your home moist. Use a humidifier, and be sure to drink plenty of water (that’s eight cups!) every day.

Witch Hazel

This multipurpose astringent will shrink blood vessels in the nostril and help squelch the bleeding. Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball in witch hazel, then place it inside the bloody nostril to coat and remove it.

Don’t Buy That!

Prone to bloody noses in the cold, dry winter months? The good news is that saline nasal sprays can keep your nose moist and prevent repeated nosebleeds—all while being completely safe and non-addictive, unlike medicated nasal sprays. The bad news? Those $5 bottles of saline spray will add up! Make your own saline solution instead: Heat one cup of water to boiling, then add a quarter teaspoon each of kosher salt and baking soda. Let the solution cool until just lukewarm. Apply inside your nostrils two or three times per day using a sterilized eyedropper, bulb syringe, or squeeze bottle. Money saved: $5-8/ bottle.

Aloe

Apply this moisturizing, soothing jelly inside the nostril to quicken the healing process.

For even more tips, see also: How to Stop a Nosebleed

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